1997 Buick Skylark: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Buick Skylark: 3 recalls, 79 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #96V212000 · 1996 · 245 vehicles
What's wrong: During assembly of the left rear quarter panel, some welds were missed. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity."
Why it matters: In the event of a rear end collision, the vehicle sheet metal structure will not perform as designed causing unexpected damage to the fuel tank or fuel lines, resulting in fuel leakage. If this is a fuel leak and an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Dealers will inspect for the missing welds and, if necessary, place three whelds between the involved panels applying primer, sealer and anti-corrosion materials.
Electrical Vehicle recall #97V059000 · 1997 · 3,464 vehicles
What's wrong: The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. Without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block is exposed and can contact the insulated negative battery cable. If the insulation on the negative cable becomes sufficiently worn, an electrical short circuit can occur between the positive terminal and negative cable resulting in extremely high current flow.
Why it matters: This high current flow can cause arcing and result in an underhood fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of the protective cover and, if necessary, install a protective cover to the underhood fuse center.
Electrical Vehicle recall #02V070000 · 2002 · 1,589,948 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Why it matters: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
The fix: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began March 27, 2002.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #07E015000 · 2007 · 3,124 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain delphi aftermarket fuel pump modules / module reservoir assemblies (mra) that were sold for use on the above listed vehicles. During production the mras vent and fuel return tubes were reversed. This condition can result in the vehicle not running correctly (idle rough and/or stall) due to an overly rich fuel blend or the vehicle's evaporative emission carbon canister May leak fuel.
Why it matters: A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. A fuel leak can result in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the defective mras free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 1-877-335-7443.
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (15): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5), brake failure / soft pedal (4).
- Electrical (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), electrical failure (3), won't start (3).
- Airbags (12): the most common themes are fails to deploy (4).
- Engine & cooling (10): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5).
The 1997 Buick Skylark has 79 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 10 Skylark model years for complaints (1.7× the average Skylark year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 55,033 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (85 complaints, 4 recalls), 1998 (24 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Buick Skylark.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Buick Skylark have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Buick Skylark, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Buick Skylark problems?
Owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (15), electrical (13), airbags (12).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Buick Skylark get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Buick Skylark repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.